Photos by Shoji Kudaka ()
In celebration of Yukkanuni, dragon boats took to Ojima, an island off the coast of Nanjo City in Okinawa’s southeastern area.
Yukkanuni is May 4 of the lunar calendar, and traditionally, dragon boat races are held on this day at many locations including Ojima to pray to the god of the sea for a good catch.
Local residents and fishermen displayed their boat handling skills on the water in the first part of the dragon boat races on this small island on June 21. In the second act, the races were on for island-wide teams including U.S. military-affiliated teams.
The course distance was 250 meters in total (except for the 410 m race for men’s final), much shorter than the 400 meters of the famous Naha Dragon Boat Race. Despite the shortened distance, the races were challenging due to requiring skills to be able to make two u-turns during the races. The technical hurdle meant some teams could not continue with the race due to difficult maneuvering and even sinking.
While this competition posed a different challenge than the one many rowers faced a month ago in Naha, women’s teams from the U.S. military once again proved their great boat skills and muscle, dominating in the women’s category.
This season for dragon boat races will continue with Chatan Nirai Hari coming up on June 25 and Tomigusuku Hari on July 23. Don’t miss these special Okinawa events!
Upcoming races
Chatan Nirai Hari Date: June 25 Time: 7 a.m. – Venu: Hamakawa Fishing Port GPS Coordinates: 26.323952, 127.752817
*A popular event that features dance and music performances as well as dragon boat races. The venue is in the neighborhood of Kadena Air Base and Camp Foster. Many teams from the U.S. military are expected to join. Please note that parking space is not available on site. Spectators are expected to use public transportation.
Tomigusuku Hari Date: July 23 9 a.m. – 6 p.m. Venue: Toyosaki Kaihin Koen (the north side of Orion Eco Chura Sun Beach) GPS Coordinates: 26.157235, 127.647590
*This race takes place at a popular resort beach near Naha Airport. Participants compete in 350-meter or 550-meter races.
Entry to this competition will be accepted until June 30. The entry fee costs 20,000 yen (approx. $144). For more info, contact the organizer at (tcta_info@tomigusuku-okinawa.jp).
Zento Hari Taikai Date: Aug. 6 Time: 8:30 a.m. – 6 p.m. Venu: Nago Fishing Port
*A big competition for local teams. Parking space is available in the fishing port. The venue is about 15-minute drive from Camp Schwab.
